Combination of pulse methylprednisolone infusions with cyclosporine-based immunosuppression is safe and effective to treat recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis after pediatric kidney transplantation.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Recurrence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in pediatric kidney allografts is associated with poor graft survival. Several therapeutic regimens have been proposed, with conflicting results.

METHODS:

Ten pediatric patients with recurrent FSGS after kidney transplantation were treated with a protocol of methylprednisolone (MP) infusions in combination with cyclosporine (CsA)-based immunosuppression. The patients received a drug regimen with infusions of 20 mg/kg MP on three consecutive days at week 1, week 3, and week 5, and then monthly until six months after transplantation. If a complete or partial remission (PR) was obtained, MP pulse continued every three months until 24 months after transplantation. The CsA dose was adjusted according to AUC0-4.

RESULTS:

Seven of 10 patients (70%) achieved complete remission (CR) with stable renal function within 18 months of beginning of treatment. One of two patients with PR entered CR 3.5 yr after transplantation. One patient lost her graft due to recurrence four months after transplantation. After observation for 26-119 months, seven patients maintained remission with normal glomerular filtration rate. Few major side effects were observed in association with the high-dose MP infusion therapy.

CONCLUSIONS:

MP infusion therapy in combination with CsA-based immunosuppression could be safe and effective in treating recurrent FSGS after kidney transplantation.

• Authors: Seiichiro Shishido, Hiroyuki Satou, Masaki Muramatsu, Yuko Hamasaki, Kenji Ishikura, Hiroshi Hataya, Masataka Honda, Hiroshi Asanuma, Atsushi Aikawa
• Journal: Clinical transplantation (Clin Transplant) 2013 Mar-Apr Vol. 27 Issue 2 Pg. E143-50 ISSN: 1399-0012 [Electronic] Denmark
• PMID: 23383697 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Chemical References

• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Cyclosporine
• Methylprednisolone

Topics

• Adolescent
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Cyclosporine (therapeutic use)
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental (drug therapy, etiology)
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (therapeutic use)
• Infusions, Intravenous
• Kidney Transplantation
• Male
• Methylprednisolone (therapeutic use)
• Postoperative Complications (drug therapy)
• Recurrence
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult